On a crisp Sunday morning in Johannesburg, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10k witnessed an astounding display of athleticism, determination, and a dash of unexpected surprises. This popular race, drawing approximately 11,000 runners, not only witnessed the breaking of course records but also the triumph of individuals who defied the odds to emerge victorious.
Lesotho’s Namakhoe Nkhasi, a seasoned athlete representing the Nedbank Running Club and coached by the renowned Michael Sponge Seme, proved that age is just a number. Nkhasi secured his second win at the Jozi event, with an incredible performance that set a new course record of 29:07. This remarkable feat sliced a staggering 35 seconds off the previous record set by Nicholas Seoposengwe just a year ago.
What made Nkhasi’s victory even more remarkable was the fierce competition he faced from Kabelo Mulaudzi of Boxer Athletic Club. Mulaudzi, in pursuit of a hat-trick of victories in the series and his fifth consecutive win in 10km races, appeared to be on course for yet another triumph, having dominated races in Durban and Tshwane. However, it wasn’t to be, as Nkhasi capitalized on Mulaudzi’s fatigue from recent back-to-back races. Nkhasi surged ahead in the last 600 meters, relegating Mulaudzi to the runners-up position with a time of 29:26, while Matthew Leeto closed in on him.
The battle between Nkhasi, Mulaudzi, and Leeto had unfolded around the seven-kilometer mark, creating a thrilling three-way fight that continued until the finish line. Nkhasi, upon winning the race, expressed his delight, particularly given the challenges he faced with injuries earlier in the year. He reflected on his journey, saying, “It was a hard year for me because I had 12 months out injured, and my comeback has not been easy. But I was patient in building up my fitness, and I am proud to have had such a great day to win this race. I am thankful to my coach Sponge, who has been helping me, and my training partner Stephen Mokoka.”
In the women’s race, the excitement was equally palpable, with Ethiopia’s Debashe Desta emerging as the victor. Her remarkable time of 33:03 not only secured her the top spot but also obliterated the previous record, set by Kenyan Emmaculate Achol in the previous year, by a remarkable 47 seconds. Desta’s impressive performance came as no surprise, following her victory in the Tshwane race just a month prior.
Ethiopia dominated the women’s category, with Selam Gebre, another Ethiopian runner, crossing the finish line just seven seconds behind Desta. South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl rounded out the podium positions, showcasing the diversity and international appeal of the event.
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10k once again demonstrated the power of determination and resilience in the world of competitive running. Athletes like Namakhoe Nkhasi and Debashe Desta proved that with dedication, hard work, and the right mindset, records can be broken and dreams can be achieved. As the sun set on this memorable morning in Johannesburg, it left behind a trail of new records and inspiring stories for the running community to celebrate.
